LyleK1

I've been working on a lot of projects but am also getting time in on the Bounty... Doing some touch-up and building a box for the wiring, switch and battery of my light system. But the biggest headache has been making rope coils or hanks! What a pain in the ***! I have attempted several methods and frankly, I don't like any of them... none of them look natural to me. It might be the fact that I make my own rope or maybe I just haven't found a good method. I have settled on one for the moment that gives me results that I may have to live with... If any of you have ideas or suggestions, please do tell. For the record, this method was provided by Peter Burton on YouTube I started out by making this jig, I can do 10 hanks at a time: I measured the length that I wanted the hanks to be and came up with the distance between nails. The holes are drilled slightly larger than the nails so that they can be removed easily. I also put down some clear tape to keep the hanks from getting glued to the board. Next, I wound my rope around the nails: This method seems to be the best for keeping the waste to a minimum... Once the rope is down, I use a diluted PVA glue (Elmer's) to coat the entire hank and then left it to dry. Once it was dry, I pulled out the bottom nail while holding the hank down firmly with tweezers and then pulled the middle nail. The top nails can stay in place. Using the tweezers, I gently removed each. Using the tweezers, by passing it through the hank, I grabbed the top loop and pulled it through the hank before placing back on the nail: I then put another drop of diluted PVA on the top loop where it meets the hank. Letting them dry completely before installing them. Here are the results: Not completely happy with these but as I stated, these are the best I've made and after a pretty thorough search, I just haven't found a better solution! Would love to hear your thoughts!

Beautiful workmanship, Kurt!

After 4 years and 1300 hours of work (albeit with a hiatus in between), I completed the build portion of the HMS Bounty! I still have touch-up work, detailing (a lot!) and staging to complete along with building a case but the actual build was completed today! I will continue to update as I work through the next several weeks to finish her up. Pictures:

Jib sails in progress... These are the last sails I'll be mounting on this model... one more to go! Installing the rings after "aging" them. Rigging lines installed and ready to mount. Mounted and rigged Second one finished! One sail left and final rigging... lots of final rigging!!

Thanks for the support! I do appreciate it... it is a process getting back into this work. My fingers and arms have forgotten how to be steady and my ham handedness is making life a bit more challenging as I move on! So, a little slower and some changes to reflect the changes in my attitude! After much thought and actually hanging a few of the sails between the fore, main and mizzen masts, I decided I don't like the look for my finished product and have removed them altogether... I think the look of the rigging and deck and having the ability to see it without those sails is an improvement... for me! It may not be for you! Having said that, I finished the Mizzen mast and sail with the exception of a few lines that will come up in the next few shop visits. A couple new pictures: Next update in a few days!

My first build up date in a long time but I am finally back at it. Finished up the sails on the Mizzen mast and hung one between the foremast and the Main mast... Gonna take some time for my fingers to get back in the groove! And for my hands to quit bumping into things! It has felt good to get back to work and I look forward to making more progress over the winter. Still planning to finish this winter but a lot left today. Especially, the finishing and detailing work. Couple pics below:

Great start Kevin! I'm from one of those logs you mentioned, that hasn't been finished... Long story but after a hiatus, I've returned to finish her up. I look forward to watching your progress too. Best of luck! Lyle

It has been a while... I lost my wife a year and half ago. It has taken some time to get my life back on track! I've finally gotten to the point that I am looking forward to getting back to work on the Bounty. I've spent the last several days dusting her off and re-familiarizing myself with where I left off. Did some new lighting in the shop to help with these older eyes and sorting through the tools, etc. Ready to get back at it! I expect to do some sail work over the next few days and weeks and will begin posting updates again very soon.

Good to see you back at it! I just restarted mine as well... been a few months and i need to get back up to speed but it won't take long!

Clumsy and not paying close enough attention... it happens to the best of us! I appreciate your thoughts... no changes at home... unfortunately. However, I do have some help and wandered back to my workshop a few days ago! Although, I cannot spend as much time as I was on her... expect to see some updates again in the near future. The Bounty will get done!

They are on the stern... but I get your question. I used a brass tubing which is softer and easier to work... using a small amount of heat and a thread spool as a form, I just heated it up and bent it around the spool. As a side not, unfortunately, I bumped the starboard side tubing during some of the rigging work and broke the wire going to the light in the lantern... about made me cry!! I tried for several hours to get a piece of the wire pulled out to reconnect it... in the end, I had to give up... just is not possible. Makes me sick! But stuff happens!

Just a quick update... Some times in life we are dealt a hand that doesn't seem fair! I'm dealing with that right now as my wife is very ill and I am spending most of my days caring for her. The Bounty is on hold for now but not forgotten and I will finish her but priorities come first. Hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I see you all then!

Yes! The link is in my signature area!

Thanks Mort!

Takes a bit to get back into things! But after a few days of familiarizing myself, I got moving on finishing the main mast. I decided to furl the sails on the main mast. It keeps the sails and associated lines present but leaves the ship more open to viewing. And it still meets the look I am trying to achieve Here are a few pictures with top gallant and top sails essentially done and the course sail in progress with the lower yard just installed today: And off we go! More in a few days as I am focused on getting through the build by years' end... but not rushing it!